At a cold Chambers Park on Monday night, Dungannon played Banbridge in the first match of the Nutty Krust Tournament.
It was Dungannon would receive the kick off and immediately worked hard to make their way up the pitch when Banbridge were penalised. This had given Josh Girvan to kick into the corner within Banbridge’s 22. Here Dungannon built momentum and on 15 minutes Jacob Tate scored the opening try for Dungannon which James Adamson converted. This was to be the only score in the first half, but Bnabridge had not given up hope of trying to get some points on the board but were unlucky when a penalty sailed to wrong side of the post. Dungannon took the drop out and Banbridge gathered the ball to make their way to Dungannon’s 22. This is were all the play happened in the last 15 minutes of the match as Banbridge tried hard to get the ball over the line however the ‘Gannon defence held strong. It looked like Banbridge would eventually get a try before the half ended when they moved the ball through their back line in what looked like a certain try in the corner but two Dungannon defenders made the tackle and bundled the player into touch.
The second half started as the first half had ended when Banbridge gathered the ball and tried to make their way up the pitch to Dungannon’s half. Again, Dungannon’s defence held strong and a dangerous tackle on Dungannon No 7 Jacob Tate stopped play for a period as he received treatment. When play restarted Adamson kicked to the corner. Dungannon pushed hard to get the second score and on 47 minutes James Adamson dived over after great play between the backs and forwards. Adamson missed the conversion. Banbridge replied almost immediately when they made their way into Dungannon’s half and found a gap from a ruck to get in, the try was converted.
This left the last 20 minutes on a knife edge however the boys in blue and white defence was outstanding to avoid any more scores as the game kept between the two 22m lines. On 70 minutes Dungannon kicked the ball into touch which was followed by the full time whistle and a cheer from the Dungannon supporters and players.
Dungannon will play neighbours Armagh RFC on Monday 10th March in the second match of the tournament. If Dungannon win they will progress to the final on Wednesday 26th March.
Dungannon: A. Watt, E. McKirgan (capt), J. Moore, R. McMahon, I. Reid, H. Finlay, J. Tate, D. Byrne, C. Acheson, J. Girvan, J. Steen, J. Adamson, J. Ballantine, R. Gallagher, R. Quinn, M. Allen, C. Boyd, B. Greenaway, Z. McDonald, C. Norris, K. Quinn, A. Quinn, J. Paisley